After lugging the Birdmachine around kingdom come yesterday, I took a breather today and rebuilt the instrument with an eye towards more portability and ease of assembly. What would have taken an hour in my shop at home, took all afternoon here. First of all, I needed rudimentary tools. That sent me to the hardware department of Tokyu Hands in Shinjuku. I bought wood, a Japanese razor saw, tubing, screws, pipe clamps, sliding clamps, micro c-clamps, and god knows what else. It wasn't difficult to spend a hundred dollars. On the way back, I encountered a Shiba Inu, the foxiest dog on the planet. Will definitely look into finding a breeder in New England. I also stopped at a flea market near Nakano-Sakaue Station and bought an old SONY cassette tape recorder (great for recording and slowing down bird song on the fly circa twenty years ago), and some 200 year old coins from the Edo period.
In the evening, I met Kudosan and his girlfriend at Kudanshita for a stroll around the Emperor's moat. The cherry blossoms were exploding from the sudden heat of the past few days. I've read about and seen photos of sakura for many years, but seeing them live and taking in the intensity of the national celebration, is something very special.
Of course, Colors loved the blossoms!
After strolling along the moat, it was time to eat. We headed up to the shrine under the largest Shinto gate in Japan. Concrete power!
Color's nose is remarkable!
He considered using chopsticks!
The yakuza run the food booths.
Finally, we took the subway home!
Uh oh, it appears that Colors is developing a pink rash on his chest - probably a food allergy. He must be sneaking food at these parties when you're not looking. How do the Japanese react when you walk around with Colors under your arm?
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